Got an oil change today, a Power Steering Fluid Flush, a new exhaust hanger, and a quote for repair of all things in need of some maintenance in the next couple years...$4700 (see bolded prices above for the items which were ID'd). Got rid of $400 of that today, which leaves me with a bill of 2000 for parts and 2000 for labour (then add tax.).

Most of the mechanical things are easy and non-urgent... and I can get genuine parts for ~50% off from ECS or other online retailers...I'll be happy with a $4700 fix for $1000.

Anyone want to help? Lol. I think I'm going to learn a lot about my car this summer.

Anyone have any recommendations for the ordering in which I do things? Service Tech suggested doing the following all at once.

Repair leaking Thermostat Housing ($310 labor, $200 parts)

Repair leaking Oil Filter Housing ($415 labor, $30 parts)

Valve Cover Gasket ($270 labor, $160 parts)

Upgrade your grey matter 'cause one day it may matter.

Don't be in such a hurry to condemn a person because they don't do what you do, or think as you think. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today...

First mistake was bringing it somewhere for maintenance. (half kidding)

For the leaking items, it really depends on the severity of the leak. Oil filter housing for example. If there is no evidence of it leaking on a driveway and it just shows some oil around it, personally I wouldn't bother. If something is actually leaving it's mark on your driveway I'd tackle that with priority. Valve cover, again same thing. I think most cars on the road have a leaking valve cover gasket. To be honest, I think even after replacing it you might not get a perfect seal .

Again personally, I wouldn't be replacing anything that isn't broken (ie window regulators) as you really don't know and could last you the rest of the life of the car. The internets scares us into a lot of "it's a ticking timebomb!" theory when in actual fact it's a hit or miss occurrence in real life.

The Accessory belts are an easy and quick fix. If they show signs of cracking, I would probably do them as it's probably under and hour job and less than $50 bones.

Brakes I would do before winter (no fun doing in the cold).

LCAB (evidence of play) - unless you can actually feel/hear something I would definitely be putting this on the back burner. When the time comes too I would be looking to do anything else suspension wise that might be close as it will most likely require an alignment.

For things like the thermostat housing, if you could pair them with other coolant tasks I would probably wait until that if possible. Ie, if your timing belt/waterpump (not sure if like VW) are coming up soon, It would probably be wise to do it all at once so you only pay for coolant once.

I'm always up for helping, it's more a matter of having the time to do it lately.

I know the valve cover gasket is leaking because I get some oil smoke from the engine bay after driving hard/high rpm. When it leaks it runs right onto the exhaust manifold.

I know the window regs are a problem (like w/ VWs) the plastic wheel degrades. I had one fail on me last year, but as they're not a requirement for vehicle operation I'd be doing them when they go.

I'll most likely be doing brakes, belts and diff drain plug before fall. The most expensive thing from the diff service is the diff fluid. I looked at OEM brake parts on ECS and a couple other places and I'm actually better off buying stuff from the dealer. Rotors are cheaper, but set screws are more expensive. I'd rather get it all in one place.

Upgrade your grey matter 'cause one day it may matter.

Don't be in such a hurry to condemn a person because they don't do what you do, or think as you think. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today...